Concerts in park schedule

The Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department proudly announces the Summer Concert Series for 2014!

The City of Arcadia’s FREE summer series of concerts are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. on the lawn between City Hall and the Police Department (240 West Huntington Drive). Bring the kids out to participate in the FREE fun zone, featuring games, crafts, and activities each week, as well as The Surfer Taco Food Truck at every concert. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Recreation and Community Services Department! For more information, please call 626.574.5113.

Listed below is the line-up for this summer:

1. July 10: The Answer (Classic Rock) Since 1964, The Answer has been supplying its renditions of top 40 hits, back then popular rock and today now classified as classic rock. The Answer’s uncanny reproduction of all that’s good in classic rock today sets them far above their competition. With stage energy, witty antics, and FREE giveaways, The Answer delivers a knock out show which is enjoyed by all ages! This is simply a show you cannot miss!

2. July 17: Tommy Tassi and the Authentics (Oldies) Tommy Tassi and the Authentics have been entertaining southern California audiences since 1978. They specialize in the pop hits of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. The group’s main feature is its front man and lead vocalist, Tommy Tassi, who has an uncanny ability to sound like many of the legendary artists. From the tender ballads to the bellowing rockers, he truly delivers sound-a-like renditions of the classic hits. As a showman, he brings much enthusiasm to the stage, working the audience with his spirited personality and creating an atmosphere of clapping, singing along and dancing.

3. July 24: Wise Guys (Big Band) From Swing to Swank, The Wiseguys Big Band Machine is an eighteen-piece ensemble dedicated to keeping great music alive. For over 20 years this Montebello, California-based big band features a screamin’ horn line, talented vocalist, exciting soloists, and a roarin’ rhythm section. Their repertoire includes the swingin’ vocal tunes of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and big band favorites from Glenn Miller, Pérez Prado, Count Basie and Buddy Rich. If you caught their show you know The Wiseguys keep audiences on the dance floor with their Big Band Vegas Sound… BET ON IT!!

4. July 31: PlayTheGroove Band (Modern & Contemporary Jazz) The PlayTheGroove Band (aka Present Tense) brings vocal and instrumental compositions into a new era. By blending driving grooves with textures of R&B, rock, funk, pop and touches of Latin, the ensemble creates a fresh sound that is as sophisticated as it is accessible. The PlayTheGroove Band is a “Jazz Jam Band Experience” exhibiting a blend of original compositions with unique renditions of contemporary classics. They combine contrasting styles so flawlessly, it’s breathtaking. Like a sleek, fast rollercoaster, the music challenges listeners to hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

5. August 7: The 1st Marine Division Band National Night Out & Arcadia’s 111th Birthday! National Night Out promotes crime prevention and awareness through police-community partnerships. Arcadia’s Police and Fire Department will be joining us for this very special occasion. Free fingerprinting for the kids, crime prevention materials and other information will be available. Stop by and show your support to Arcadia’s finest. But wait…that is not it! Help Arcadia celebrate our 111th birthday by enjoying some birthday cake while supplies last. The 1st Marine Division Band, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, consists of 50 Marine musicians. While the primary mission of the 1st Marine Division Band is to provide musical support for military parades and ceremonies, they remain versatile to accommodate other needs. In addition to the Ceremonial Band and Concert Band, the band forms smaller ensembles such as Big Band, Jazz Combo, Brass Quintet, and Party Band. They perform at over 300 commitments a year, with highlights including the State Funeral of President Ford, the Tournament of Roses Parades, Disneyland’s Independence Day Concerts, and annual concerts at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. In 2007, the 1st Marine Division Band was awarded the “Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands” administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. All Marine Corps Bands fulfill the objective of preserving the values that comprise the unique and fundamental national strength and character of the United States. Whether performing music or serving in a combat zone, the 1st Marine Division Band carries on this esteemed tradition and remains the Pride of the Division.

6. August 14: Gregory Wolfe as Rod Stewart (Tribute) Gregory Wolfe’s first taste in music came at a very young age, listening to crooners like Nat King Cole and Andy Williams. At the age of 19, like most young adults in Lansing, Michigan, Gregory went to work at General Motors. He worked there for 11 years. In the summer of 1984, Gregory entered himself in a Tribute contest that would forever change his future. He would soon move to L.A. and not long after, would start making a career out of impersonating Rod Stewart. He has since taken his act world-wide, from Singapore to South Carolina, from Bangkok to Berlin, Gregory’s entertained them all over the globe!

7. August 21: Cold Duck (70s top 40) Back by popular demand! Join us once again for this special celebration…. Since its inception over two decades ago, Cold Duck’s philosophy has been directly responsible for their continued success: “Give the people what they want to hear and have a good time delivering it!” With this solid experienced musicianship, it should come as no surprise that Cold Duck is renowned for being one of the most versatile bands in existence. Cold Duck continues its tradition of excellent musicianship and groovin’ rhythms. So let’s have a good time dancing the night away!